Radiographers Society of Emirates

The ISRRT was founded in 1962 as a non-profit organization, and now has over 90 member societies representing more than 500 000 members in 86 countries. As ISRRT president, I promoted the concepts of professional societies as they seek to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession and the public interest. Professional radiographers’ societies are founded mainly to support the professional radiographer by developing professional excellence. Samar was inspired by my, in her words, “stance, passion and leadership”, and discussed the way I could support the declaration of the UAE society.

In April 2017, Samar who was leading the academic program of medical imaging at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) – Health Sciences Division invited me as president of the ISRRT to the inaugural 1st Annual Radiology Symposium in Dubai. In November 2017, I was also invited to attend the Annual Radiology Meeting in the UAE. During both visits to Dubai the idea of the Radiographers’ Society of Emirates (RASE) was starting to gain momentum. As an inspirational leader, Samar facilitated a crusade of buy-in productive meetings with stakeholders to promote the formation of a professional society of radiographers in the UAE. Based on my experience in helping several other countries, I recognized that the actual declaration of RASE was during the meeting with Dr Mouza Al-Sharhan, the then President of the Emirates Medical Association (EMA), Hashim Al-Awadhi, Consultant Radiographer at Dubai Hospital, and Samar. Dr Mouza Al-Sharhan was very adamant that it is about time for the United Arab Emirates to have a society representing radiographers as a valuable asset in the health care sector.